MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 16

"Lilo!" Sophie called out, her voice filled with a mix of concern and frustration as she dashed after her daughter. "Slow down! You're going to fall!"

But Lilo was oblivious to her mother's warnings. Her senses were overwhelmed by the vibrant spectacle surrounding her. After a week trapped indoors, the outside world seemed like a magical wonderland. Shops lined the street with windows adorned in a dazzling array of colors—crimson, emerald, and sapphire—that cast playful reflections on the pavements. Each display was a so visually stimulating, with twinkling fairy lights and whimsical decorations seen through glass panes.

Lilo clutched a rainbow of candies, their sweetness sending her into a delightful sugar frenzy. She darted past cotton candy stalls where clouds of pastel pink and blue spun in mesmerizing circles, releasing a sugary aroma that mingled with the cool air. The popcorn corner exuded a buttery fragrance that made her cravings grow even more. Every corner offered a new sensory delight, and Lilo could barely contain her excitement.

Her gaze landed on a shop with a sign reading "Chocolate!!" in gleaming gold letters. Her eyes widened in pure astonishment. Chocolate was a recent sensation in the capital, a treat from the northeast Magmor district of Ceracuse. This delicacy, renowned for its perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, popular amongst adults and children alike, had captivated the city. Lilo had tried it twice before with her father. She annoyed him till he fell weak to her cute persistance and bought her loads of it. Much out of their budget. The seweet, velvety texture of the treat had enchanted her each time.

Determined to experience this joy once more, she bolted toward the shop, her small feet barely touching the ground and her ponytails fluttering with the wind. As she approached at full speed, an elderly man unexpectedly emerged, pushing the shop door open. Unable to stop her momentum, Lilo collided with him, sending the old man sprawling onto the sidewalk with a muted thud.

"Oof!" he exclaimed, wincing and starting to cough uncontrollably.

Lilo quickly got to her feet, her cheeks flushed with concern. She saw the old man on the ground and hurried over. "Oh no, Mishter, are you okay?" she asked, her lisp adding a touch of innocence to her concern. Her eyes were wide and sincere as she extended a small hand.

After a few moments, the old man managed to stop coughing and, with a gentle smile, accepted her hand and stood up. "Thank you, little lady," he said, his voice cheerful despite the mishap.

"Lilo!" Sophie called out, finally catching up. She saw her daughter had crashed into the man, causing him to fall. "I'm so sorry, sir. My daughter is just—" She stopped, frustration mingling with her concern as she glanced at Lilo. "Lilo, apologize to the mister."

"No, no, there's no need for that," the old man interjected, waving his hands dismissively.

"No, she must," Sophie insisted. "Lilo?"

"I'm shorry, Mishter. I shouldn't run in the shtreet," Lilo said, her voice a soft whisper, her gaze fixed on the ground as she clutched her hands together.

The old man looked at her and chuckled warmly. "It's perfectly fine, child. Congratulations to you, madam, on having such an adorable daughter," he said, tipping his hat to Sophie.

"Yes, it's both a blessing and a curse," Sophie replied, offering a polite curtsy.

The old man laughed heartily but was soon interrupted by another fit of coughing. "Oh dear," he said, catching his breath. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, ladies. I must be on my way, as I am running late. But for the little miss who was so eager to get to the shop, here's a little something." He handed Lilo a large chocolate bar, the wrapping shimmering in the sunlight. "I must be off now. See you around, ladies."

With a final tip of his hat, he walked away.

"Lilo," Sophie stopped her daughter just as she was about to take a big bite of the chocolate bar. She carefully inspected it to ensure it was safe before handing it back. Lilo took a generous bite, her eyes sparkling as the rich, creamy chocolate melted in her mouth. The sweet, velvety flavor enveloped her senses, creating a moment of pure bliss. It was a rare treat, and she reveled in the taste, savoring every second of her magical day. She spent the remainder of the day basking in the joy of her delicious, free treat.